Remembering the First World War: what it means to us

Young people from four separate geographical communities in Devon explored local stories and happenings from the First World War (1914 – 1918). The creative responses to the research was widely shared through exhibitions, film and a touring show.

The project was funded by Heritage Lottery and allowed young people (aged between 11 and 25 years) to work alongside professional artists.

The workshops were varied within each region in accordance with the stories and local history:

In Tiverton, the focus was on the war effort at home with workshops in animation and print making

In Dawlish, the emphasis was on war time entertainment; concert parties and end of the pier Pierrot shows

In Tavistock, the research included farming families around Burrator Reservoir where students made a film

In Barnstaple, the exploration was centred around the Devon Regiments and in particular the Gallipoli campaign

“I really, really enjoyed it! It was great fun. I especially enjoyed it on the beach filling the sandbags and feeling a bit like what it would have been like to have been at Gallipoli. It was really cool using the projector and learning about how to make backgrounds. I loved the way the wind blowing on the beach made the images really atmospheric. Jo was really friendly and kind. I also learnt to read slowly when I was asked to read my poems! And recording my voice was really exciting. I’d love to do something like this again!” young participant, Barnstaple

Click here to find out more about the project. Exhibitions took place in the different locations and the work is also available to see online via History Pin and Devon Remembers websites.